WCU set to face hurting Kutztown

WEST GOSHEN – Winners of two straight, the West Chester football team travels to Kutztown today (1:05 p.m., WCHE AM 1520) to take on a Golden Bears squad that is currently saddled with a two-game losing streak and is dealing with injuries to key performers.

But don’t get the wrong idea -- the Golden Rams’ first big PSAC East test of the 2012 season is going to be quite a challenge. Kutztown has a lot of key players back from a unit that captured its first conference championship last fall, and the recent setbacks came in high scoring, ultra-competitive affairs against California (Pa.) and Bloomsburg, the sixth and 11th ranked Division II teams in the nation, respectively.

“They are the reigning PSAC champions, and they’ve just had a couple tough games,” WCU head coach Bill Zwaan explained. “This is a huge game for us, no question about it. If we can come out with a win, it would propel us even further, but it’s going to be tough.”

The Rams (1-0, 2-1 overall) have won two of three to begin a season for the first time since 2007, and have their sights set on capturing the program’s first divisional crown in four years. But much like this weekend’s opponent, it would be unwise to place too much emphasis on what West Chester’s done so far this season: a 20-point loss at Delaware, a shaky 21-17 win over underdog Gannon, and a six-touchdown blowout last Saturday over lightly regarded Millersville.

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“We recognize that Millersville has had some tough times, so it’s not like we are coming off a win against one of the best teams in the PSAC,” Zwaan said.

What the 56-14 triumph did do, however, was bolster confidence in WCU’s Spread Wing-T offense and quarterback Mike Mattei, who was the starter in 2010 but is now filling in for the injured Sean McCartney. Mattei tied a school record by throwing for six TDs, completing 80 percent of his passes, and accounting for 389 yards of offense against the Marauders and was named the PSAC East Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

“The biggest boost was watching Mike throw the ball like he did,” Zwaan said. “He sort of looked like his old self. That gives everybody confidence.

“Our whole offense revolves around the quarterback. If he plays well, well, we are going to be a good football team. Our receivers were able to run by a couple of (Millersville) defenders but he put the ball where it needed to be. If he is making those kids of throws in other games, we are going to be scoring touchdowns.

“Kutztown is a team that can score, so we are going to have to score with them. It’s good to see that we can roll up yards and put points on the board.”

Reserve wideout Erick Brundidge hauled in three of Mattei’s scoring strikes. And afterwards, he marveled at how well Mattei threw the football, and managed the game plan.

“On the first touchdown, I was actually supposed to be blocking and (Mattei) called an audible because of the way the defense was lined up,” he said. “All of the receivers have good chemistry with our quarterback.”

The quarterback situation is a bit less certain right now at Kutztown (0-1, 1-2). Two-time PSAC East Offensive Player of Year honoree Kevin Morton left last week’s 44-37 setback at Bloomsburg with a dislocation of his non-throwing shoulder and will not play today. His replacement, freshman Josh Luckenbaugh, played quite well until throwing a late interception that ended any comeback hopes. He will be making the first start of his college career.

“(Luckenbaugh) looked pretty good, and their offense didn’t change,” Zwaan pointed out. “So we will plan on defending their offense.

In a heartbreaking 48-45 home loss to Cal two weeks ago, two other key Bears – all-league safety Alex DiNolfi (knee) and all-league running back Josh Mastromatto (broken hand) -- suffered potentially serious injuries. Neither played last weekend and DiNolfi is out indefinitely.

“I am not looking at Kuztown as being a desperate team but one that is going to be fired up. We know they are always fired up to play us,” Zwaan said of the Bears, who trail 47-9-1 in the all-time series but have won the last two meetings.

Defensively, the Rams are getting more comfortable with the new 4-3 scheme, but even without Morton, Kutztown presents problems. West Chester ranks fourth in the 16-team PSAC in total defense, but is only ninth against the pass.

“We are playing well defensively but Kutztown can score with anybody,” Zwaan warned.

With one possible exception, WCU should be pretty healthy for today’s showdown. Wideout Tim Keyser suffered a sprained knee against Millersville and is questionable. The team’s top receiver, LaRonn Lee, sat out last week with a hamstring pull but is expected to play.

“Everybody should be able play except maybe Tim,” Zwaan said. “We will have to wait and see how much the swelling goes down.”